True Buddha Foundation Dharma Affairs Notice
TBF-DA Declaration. No. 017
Regarding Personnel Arrangements for True Buddha School Ceremonies and the Prohibition of Non-School Dharma Propagators from Serving in Dharma Roles

To all temples, chapters, cultivation associations, Dharma propagation personnel (hereinafter referred to as “Dharma propagators”) , principals of cultivation venues, cultivation venue boards, and all disciples of the True Buddha School worldwide:
Recently, the True Buddha Foundation has received reports from cultivation venues and disciples indicating that during official ceremonies held at True Buddha School venues, in addition to invited Dharma propagators, non–True Buddha School Dharma propagators have entered core ceremonial areas. Due to their attire, seating, and on-site arrangements, some disciples have become uncertain about these individuals’ Dharma roles, lineage affiliations, and whether they are officially recognized by the School.

To safeguard the purity of the True Buddha School’s Root Lineage and to prevent similar misunderstandings in ceremony arrangements at various venues, the True Buddha Dharmadhara House and the True Buddha Foundation hereby issue the following notice:

1. All ceremonies must center on the Root Lineage
   All ceremonies, rituals, group practices, study sessions, and Dharma propagation activities of the True Buddha School must be grounded in the Root Lineage of Living Buddha Liansheng and conducted in accordance with the Dharma affairs regulations, qualification standards for Dharma propagators, and institutional systems for cultivation venues established by the True Buddha Foundation.
   
   Hosting venues must clearly identify the presiding master, Dharma officiants assisting the presiding master, and all related personnel, ensuring that attendees are not confused about lineage origin, authorization, or qualifications.
   
   
2. Non–True Buddha School personnel must not participate in core ceremonial roles
   Except for officially recognized Dharma propagating personnel of the School, no external individuals, such as practitioners of other traditions, folk ritual masters, Taoist priests, spirit mediums, or those claiming special powers, may preside over, assist in, lead participants, confer blessings, perform empowerments, give teachings, form mudras, or participate in official rituals under the name of the True Buddha School.
   
   If individuals from other traditions are invited as a gesture of interfaith friendship, cultural exchange, or personal relations, they must be clearly seated as guests or observers and identified as such. They must not be placed on ceremonial platforms, the Dharma throne, or in seating designated for presiding master or Dharma officiants assisting the presiding master, nor in any positions that could be mistaken for an official ceremonial role.
   
   
3. Invited Dharma propagators may not, on their own initiative, add personnel to perform Dharma roles
   All Dharma propagators (Masters, Senior Reverends, Reverends, Senior Dharma Instructors, Dharma Instructors, Dharma Assistants, etc.) must carry out their duties in accordance with the invitation and hosting venue’s arrangements.
   
   If additional assistants, attendants, or other personnel are needed, prior notice must be given to the hosting venue. Any involvement in ritual functions, Dharma affairs, ceremonial procedures, Dharma talks, or public religious roles must receive explicit approval from the hosting venue and when necessary, be reported to the True Buddha Foundation.
   
   Invited Dharma propagators must not independently introduce non–True Buddha School individuals into core ceremonial areas or allow them to appear as official ceremony personnel.
   
   
4. Hosting venues must uphold responsibility for identity verification
   Cultivation venue boards, resident Dharma propagators, Dharma affairs coordinators, and principals bear responsibility for overseeing all personnel arrangements. While the presiding master is responsible for officiating the Dharma affairs, the hosting venue must maintain the School’s institutional order, lineage integrity, and proper on-site conduct.
   
   If non–True Buddha School individuals attempt to enter the ceremonial platform, Dharma throne, or participate in rituals, the hosting venue must politely prevent this and clearly assign them observer status. The venue must not use “it is decided by the presiding master” as a reason to relinquish its responsibility to uphold the School’s institutional regulations and lineage order.
   
   
5. Extending hospitality does not equal authorization to perform Dharma roles
   The True Buddha Dharmadhara House and the True Buddha Foundation hereby remind:
   
   • Personal friendship does not equal official recognition by the School;
     
   • Extending hospitality does not equal authorization to perform Dharma roles;
     
   • Observing guests are not Dharma officiants assisting the presiding master;
     
   • Interfaith exchange must not blur the School’s Root Lineage.
   
   While the True Buddha School respects all traditions, official ceremonies must strictly adhere to its institutional framework and lineage boundaries. Any arrangement that may cause misunderstanding or confusion must be avoided.
   
   
6. Violations will be reported and addressed according to their severity
   If any venue or personnel becomes aware of non–True Buddha School individuals misusing the School’s name, conducting rituals, accepting offerings, misleading followers, misrepresenting Dharma roles, or entering core ceremonial areas without authorization, such cases must be reported immediately.
   
   Violations involving improper conduct by Dharma propagators, including allowing non–True Buddha School individuals to perform School’s Dharma roles, or otherwise damage to the School’s reputation will be reviewed and handled in accordance with established regulations.
   
   
7. Jointly uphold the purity of the lineage
   True Buddha School venues are places to propagate authentic Vajrayana teachings, protect the Root Lineage, and guide practitioners in right faith. All venues and personnel must act with care, clarity, and responsibility in organizing ceremonies, avoiding confusion caused by convenience, personal relationships, or oversight.
   
   May all members work together to uphold the Root Lineage of Living Buddha Liansheng, ensuring solemn and pure ceremonies, confidence in practice, and the enduring continuity of the Dharma lineage.